Xbox Prices: What Changed in 2025 and the August 2026 Increase

Microsoft did raise Xbox Series S and Series X prices, but the original headline needs two updates: Xbox later walked back the planned $79.99 price for full-priced 2025 holiday games, and console prices rose again worldwide on August 1, 2026. The 2026 announcement specified increases by storage capacity, not a complete new U.S. price list.

Did Microsoft raise prices on all Xbox Series X|S consoles?

Microsoft announced U.S. price increases for Xbox hardware on May 1, 2025. The change covered the Series S and Series X line, but individual prices depended on model, storage, and configuration. Microsoft also raised prices on accessories. Ars Technica reported the May 2025 announcement.

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For a dated U.S. reference, Microsoft’s schedule as of October 3, 2025 listed these recommended prices. They are historical figures, not a current 2026 price list. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X listing is the associated source for that schedule.

What changed on August 1, 2026?

In an announcement dated June 25, 2026, Xbox said console prices would increase worldwide effective August 1. The stated increase was US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models. Xbox also said it would sunset the 2 TB model. These are worldwide policy details; they do not provide a complete new U.S. model-by-model price schedule. Xbox Wire’s June 25, 2026 announcement does not establish a current U.S. price for each console, so the October 2025 figures above should not be adjusted by arithmetic and treated as today’s prices.

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Why did Xbox say prices were rising?

Xbox said console storage and memory prices had risen by more than 2.5 times and forecast another doubling by fall 2027. Those are the company’s stated assessment and forecast, not independently verified industry measurements or a realized future outcome. The announcement is published by Xbox Wire.

Were Xbox games going to cost $80 in 2025?

Not across the board. On May 1, 2025, Microsoft said some new first-party games would be priced at $79.99 that holiday, in both physical and digital formats. The statement did not say every Xbox game would cost $80; it also said existing games would not get that increase and that games and expansions would continue to have varied prices. Ars Technica’s report on the announcement covers the original plan.

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• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
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On July 23, Xbox reversed course for full-priced holiday releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, saying they would remain at $69.99. Windows Central reported the spokesperson’s statement and said Microsoft confirmed the change’s rollout in the UK and EU as well. That later statement superseded the proposed $79.99 price for the named category of full-priced holiday releases; it does not establish one price for every game, edition, or expansion. Windows Central reported the July 23 update.

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• USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
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What does this mean for a console budget?

• Treat the model and storage capacity as part of the price: the announced 2026 increases differ between 512 GB and 1 TB consoles.
• Check whether a Series X listing is the digital configuration or a model with a disc drive; these were distinct configurations in Microsoft’s 2025 U.S. schedule.
• Confirm the retailer’s live price, market, and availability before buying. Historical recommended prices do not establish what a console currently costs at a particular seller.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.